Talking With Your Children About the Election Results

​Talking to Your Children About Election Results
Election season can bring a mix of emotions, and as the results have come in, it’s natural for children to notice the atmosphere and energy around them. They might overhear conversations, catch snippets of news, or pick up on the emotions of adults around them. Throughout the morning, I have gotten texts and emails from my family, friends, and clients asking how to talk to their children about the results. As parents, it’s important to create a supportive environment where your children can express their feelings and ask questions. Here are some tips to help you guide these conversations with empathy and care.


1. Create a Safe Space for Questions
Children might not fully understand what an election or its outcomes mean. Invite them to ask questions and listen carefully to their concerns. Let them know it’s okay to feel confused, scared, or uncertain. Use simple language that matches their age and understanding.
Example: “Elections are when people choose leaders to make important decisions. It’s okay if you don’t understand everything. What questions do you have?” or “Its ok to feel scared, uncertain, or worried about how these elections might affect you, your family, or your friends.”
2. Keep Your Explanations Age-Appropriate
For younger children, a brief overview of what elections are may suffice. Older children may want to understand the impact of election results on specific issues, especially ones that have meaning to them and their identities. Tailor your explanations to their level of understanding and avoid unnecessary details that might fuel anxiety.
For Younger Kids: Focus on concepts of fairness and choice, like voting for class representatives or choosing what game to play at recess. Explore how sometimes what we want and who we want might not win, and we have to accept that.
For Older Kids/Teens: Discuss how elections can affect policies on things that matter to them, like identity, sexual orientation, education, the environment, or healthcare, while reinforcing that adults are working to address challenges. Especially with older kids, openness and honesty is important while also recognizing that they might need some level of emotional protection as well.  Identifying where to filter things and where to be honest will depend on your child and their emotional maturity.
3. Acknowledge and Validate Their Feelings
If your child expresses worry or fear about the results, let them know their feelings are valid. Normalize everything they are feeling, from grief, to sadness, to fear, to anger. Share that adults also feel all the emotions too, and maybe explore what you are feeling too.  You can also explain there are always people working to make things better and identify if there are things that you as a family can do together to feel like you are taking action.
Example: “I understand why this makes you feel worried. It’s okay to feel that way. Grown-ups are working hard to make sure our community is safe and strong and we will keep working on being good people.”
4. Focus on Stability and Reassurance
Children thrive on routine and stability. Reassure them that, regardless of these election outcomes, your family life and their daily routines will remain as consistent as it can. Do so with empathy and honesty. If things may change your family, remind your children that it is your responsibility to worry about things and that you will be honest with them if they will feel the impact.
Example: “Even though some things might change in the world around us, our family is here, and we will continue to care for each other.”
5. Highlight the Power of Participation and Kindness
Empower older children to feel hopeful by explaining the importance of civic engagement. Discuss ways people can make a difference, like community service or writing to elected officials. Emphasize the value of being kind and respectful, even when opinions differ. Remind your kids about the values of your family and that spreading goodness and kindness is a way of taking control in situations in which control doesn’t feel attainable.
Example: “People have different ideas about what’s best, but what’s important is that we treat everyone with respect. You can also have a say in the future when you’re older.”
6. Take Care of Your Own Emotions
Children often mirror the emotions of the adults around them. Take time to process your feelings and show your child how to handle emotions constructively. It’s okay to share that you’re feeling uncertain, too, but follow it with how you’re managing your feelings.
Example: “I feel a bit anxious today, so I’m taking deep breaths and thinking about what I can do to help our community.”
7. Encourage Healthy Outlets for Stress
Engage in calming activities as a family. Exercise, art, or simply spending time outdoors can help everyone feel more grounded. Encourage your child to express their worries through drawing, journaling, or play. Work on limiting social media if that is a trigger for you and model setting those limits and boundaries.


Conclusion: Election results can be complicated and emotional, even for adults. By maintaining open lines of communication, you can help your child feel heard, reassured, and supported. Remember, the goal isn’t to have all the answers but to be a source of stability and comfort during uncertain times.